UP on alert for Babri demolition anniversary

Lucknow, Dec 4 (IANS) Two days before the 20th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, the Uttar Pradesh Police has been put on high alert and all religious and political processions have been banned in Faizabad district, an official said Tuesday.

Top police officials have held a video conference with police chiefs in the 75 districts of the state and instructions to maintain law and order have been issued, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Law and Order, Arun Kumar told IANS.

“We have held a video conference meeting with all district police chiefs and large-scale arrangements are being made to ensure a peaceful Dec 6,” he said.

In addition to the 14 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) in the high security “red zone” and “yellow zone” of the disputed area in Ayodhya, eight more PAC companies have been deployed.

Five companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) are also being deployed for Dec 6.

Faizabad has been divided into 15 zones and 30 sectors and magistrates and circle officers (police) have been given charge of these areas, Dharmendra Singh, senior superintendent of police, Faizabad, said.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) — which bans gathering of more than four people in public places — has also been enforced.

The 16th century Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh was demolished by a mob Dec 6, 1992.

IANS 2012-12-04 16:12:06